Abstract: A method for creating a channel through a foreign material located in a body of a patient, the foreign material defining a material first surface and a substantially opposed material second surface, the channel extending through the foreign material between the material first and second surfaces, the method using an apparatus including a substantially elongated member defining a proximal end region and a substantially longitudinally opposed distal end region, the apparatus including an electrode located about the distal end region, the method comprising: introducing the distal end region into the body of the patient; positioning the electrode substantially adjacent to the material first surface; energizing the electrode with a radiofrequency current; and using the electrode energized with the radiofrequency current to deliver energy into the foreign material to create the channel.

Abstract: A method for creating a channel through a foreign material located in a body of a patient, the foreign material defining a material first surface and a substantially opposed material second surface, the channel extending through the foreign material between the material first and second surfaces, the method using an apparatus including a substantially elongated member defining a proximal end region and a substantially longitudinally opposed distal end region, the apparatus including an electrode located about the distal end region, the method comprising: introducing the distal end region into the body of the patient; positioning the electrode substantially adjacent to the material first surface; energizing the electrode with a radiofrequency current; and using the electrode energized with the radiofrequency current to deliver energy into the foreign material to create the channel.

Abstract: A dilator, the dilator being positionable substantially adjacent an aperture in a tissue and usable to enlarge the aperture, the dilator comprising a substantially elongated member, the substantially elongated member defining a member proximal end section, a substantially longitudinally opposed member distal end section and a member middle section extending therebetween, the member middle section including a tube defining a tube lumen extending substantially longitudinally therethrough and a reinforcing component located, at least in part, within the tube lumen, the member middle section being substantially less mechanically deformable than the member distal end section; whereby having the member distal end section substantially more mechanically deformable than the member middle section reduces risks of injuring the tissue with the member distal end section when positioning the member distal end section substantially adjacent the aperture while allowing for the transmission of substantially longitudinal forc